How Do You Spell RAT?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈat] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "rat" in IPA phonetic transcription is /ræt/. The IPA symbols used are "r" for the "r" sound, "æ" for the "a" sound in "cat", and "t" for the "t" sound. This popular four-letter word refers to a small, agile rodent species, found in many parts of the world. While it may be a nuisance to some, rats have been domesticated as beloved pets and used for scientific research. The spelling of "rat" might be simple but their contribution pest control and laboratory research is significant.

RAT Meaning and Definition

  1. Rat is a noun with multiple meanings and is primarily used to refer to a small, omnivorous mammal belonging to the genus Rattus, particularly the species Rattus norvegicus or Rattus rattus. These animals are known for their long tails, pointed snouts, and sharp incisor teeth, which they use to gnaw on various objects. Rats are typically associated with negative connotations due to their ability to cause damage, carry diseases, and infest human settlements.

    Furthermore, "rat" can also be employed metaphorically to describe a person who is deceitful, treacherous, or untrustworthy. This usage originates from the perception of rats as cunning animals that are often associated with betrayal or sneaky behavior. For example, someone who reveals secrets or appears disloyal to their friends may be referred to as a "rat" in colloquial language.

    Additionally, the term "rat" can be used as a verb, meaning to betray or inform on someone, especially to authorities or a higher power. This verb form indicates the act of exposing one's associates or revealing confidential information, often done to gain personal benefit or avoid punishment.

    Overall, "rat" serves both as a biological term referring to a specific type of mammal and as a metaphorical term characterizing individuals or actions associated with deception, betrayal, or informality.

  2. • An animal of the mouse kind, but much larger and more voracious, which infests the lower floors of houses, ships, &c.; one who deserts his party; one who works at less than the established prices.
    • To work under the established prices-a term in use among printers; to forsake one's party for the sake of gain or power.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RAT

Etymology of RAT

The word "rat" is derived from the Middle English word "ratte", which can be traced back to Old English "rætta" and Old Norse "rǫt". Both of these words have Germanic origins. The original Proto-Germanic root is believed to be "rattō". This root is also found in other Germanic languages such as Dutch "rat" and German "Ratte".

Idioms with the word RAT

  • rug rat The idiom "rug rat" is a colloquial term that refers to a small child or toddler, especially one who is active, energetic, or mischievous. The term is often used affectionately or humorously to describe young children.
  • rat out The idiom "rat out" means to betray or disclose someone's secret or wrongdoing to the authorities or an authority figure.
  • a rat fink The idiom "a rat fink" refers to a person who is deceitful, treacherous, or disloyal. It is typically used to describe someone who betrays others for personal gain or acts in a sneaky and untrustworthy manner.
  • a rat race The idiom "a rat race" refers to a competitive and busy lifestyle in which people engage in relentless and meaningless pursuits, often leading to exhaustion, stress, and a lack of fulfillment. It implies a sense of being trapped in a never-ending cycle where individuals continuously strive to achieve success, often at the expense of their personal well-being and happiness.
  • smell a rat The idiom "smell a rat" refers to the act of suspecting that something is wrong or dishonest. It implies a sense of perceived deception or an intuitive feeling of suspicion towards a situation or a person.
  • like a drowned rat The idiom "like a drowned rat" is used to describe someone who is wet and disheveled, typically as a result of being outside in heavy rain or water. It implies that the person looks thoroughly soaked, with their hair clinging to their head and their clothes sticking to their body, resembling the appearance of a rat that has been submerged in water.
  • love rat The idiom "love rat" refers to a person who is disloyal or unfaithful in their romantic relationships. It is often used to describe someone who habitually cheats or deceives their partner by engaging in affairs or other infidelities.
  • a pack rat The idiom "a pack rat" refers to a person who has a tendency to collect and accumulate, often hoarding unnecessary or excessive amounts of items and reluctant to discard things, even if they are no longer needed or have no value. It is used to describe someone who has difficulty letting go of possessions and has a strong attachment to material things.
  • rat race The idiom "rat race" refers to a competitive and exhausting struggle or routine in which individuals engage in a relentless pursuit of success, wealth, or power, often with little fulfillment or satisfaction. It symbolizes the monotonous and cutthroat nature of modern life, where people are trapped in a never-ending cycle of work, competition, and societal pressures.
  • like a rat up a drainpipe The idiom "like a rat up a drainpipe" is used to describe someone who moves or acts quickly, often in a stealthy or hurried manner. It implies a sense of agility, nimbleness, and the ability to swiftly navigate through challenging situations or environments.
  • look like a drowned rat The idiom "look like a drowned rat" is used to describe someone who appears extremely wet, disheveled, and bedraggled, much like a rat that has been soaked in water. It implies that the person's appearance is unpleasant or unkempt.
  • rat around The idiom "rat around" refers to the act of searching or rummaging through something in a thorough and often disorganized manner. It implies an intense and persistent search, often in a hurried or anxious manner.
  • rat on sm The idiom "rat on someone" means to betray or inform on someone, usually by disclosing their secrets or illegal activities to authorities or others who would disapprove. It implies breaking trust or loyalty and often involves reporting someone's wrongdoings or misconduct to get them into trouble.
  • hood rat "Hood rat" is an offensive and derogatory term typically used to describe someone, often a young person, who is associated with or belongs to a low-income neighborhood or "hood." It is often used to stereotype individuals who are perceived to engage in reckless behavior, criminal activities, or promiscuity.
  • rat fink The idiom "rat fink" refers to a person who is deceitful, disloyal, or treacherous. It is often used to describe someone who betrays or informs on others, typically for personal gain or to avoid trouble.
  • rat-arsed "Rat-arsed" is an informal British slang term that means extremely drunk or intoxicated.
  • frat-rat A "frat-rat" is a slang term used to describe a member of a fraternity who is typically known for his overly social, party-loving, and somewhat irresponsible behavior.
  • not give a rat's ass To not care at all about something or someone; to be completely indifferent.
  • not give a rat's arse (about something) To not care at all about something; to have no interest or concern in a particular matter.
  • not give a rat's ass for/about (something or someone) The idiom "not give a rat's ass for/about (something or someone)" means to not care at all about something or someone, to have no interest or concern.
  • give a rat's arse The idiom "give a rat's arse" is a colloquial expression used to convey that someone does not care at all about something, is not interested in it, or does not find it important. It is often used to demonstrate a lack of concern or indifference towards a particular issue or situation.

Similar spelling words for RAT

Plural form of RAT is RATS

Conjugate verb Rat

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have ratted
you would have ratted
he/she/it would have ratted
we would have ratted
they would have ratted
I would have rat
you would have rat
he/she/it would have rat
we would have rat
they would have rat

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been ratting
you would have been ratting
he/she/it would have been ratting
we would have been ratting
they would have been ratting

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would rat
you would rat
he/she/it would rat
we would rat
they would rat

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be ratting
you would be ratting
he/she/it would be ratting
we would be ratting
they would be ratting

FUTURE

I will rat
you will rat
he/she/it will rat
we will rat
they will rat

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be ratting
you will be ratting
he/she/it will be ratting
we will be ratting
they will be ratting

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have ratted
you will have ratted
he/she/it will have ratted
we will have ratted
they will have ratted

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been ratting
you will have been ratting
he/she/it will have been ratting
we will have been ratting
they will have been ratting

IMPERATIVE

you rat
we let´s rat

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to rat

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was ratting
you were ratting
he/she/it was ratting
we were ratting
they were ratting

PAST PARTICIPLE

ratted

PAST PERFECT

I had ratted
you had ratted
he/she/it had ratted
we had ratted
they had ratted

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been ratting
you had been ratting
he/she/it had been ratting
we had been ratting
they had been ratting

PRESENT

I rat
you rat
he/she/it rats
we rat
they rat

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am ratting
you are ratting
he/she/it is ratting
we are ratting
they are ratting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

ratting

PRESENT PERFECT

I have ratted
you have ratted
he/she/it has ratted
we have ratted
they have ratted

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been ratting
you have been ratting
he/she/it has been ratting
we have been ratting
they have been ratting

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it rat

SIMPLE PAST

I ratted
you ratted
he/she/it ratted
we ratted
they ratted

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